AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has heaped praise on Manchester City striker Balotelli after Italy's win over Denmark.

Balotelli was inspirational, scoring and working for the team to earn a standing ovation at San Siro.

Montolivo said: "I think in the second half when we were down to 10 men, Balotelli was magnificent. He was the entire front line, holding up the ball, running on to passes and keeping the defenders busy.

"He worked so hard for the team. If this is the real Balotelli, then we've got a great future ahead of us."